Penstemon ‘Picotee’ – Striking Two-Toned Blooms with Lasting Summer Colour
Penstemon ‘Picotee’ is a standout perennial known for its elegant trumpet-shaped flowers with rich purple-red edges and a pale, creamy-white throat. The distinctive two-tone effect, known as "picotee", makes this variety an eye-catching feature in borders or mixed perennial plantings. Long flowering and easy to grow, this variety brings vibrant colour from early summer into autumn, all while attracting bees and butterflies.
Seasonal Interest
Spring:
Glossy green foliage forms a bushy, upright clump.
Prepares to send up flower stems by late spring.
Summer:
Masses of tubular, two-toned flowers appear on tall stems, continuing for months.
Flowers attract pollinators and add bold vertical interest to borders.
Autumn:
Flowering continues well into early autumn, especially if spent blooms are removed.
Foliage remains attractive until the first frosts.
Winter:
Dies back in colder climates; cut back after the first frost.
In milder regions, it may stay semi-evergreen.
Structure & Growth
Height: 60–80cm
Spread: 40–60cm
Form: Upright, branching stems with narrow green leaves and multiple flowering spikes.
Growth Rate: Moderate to fast; flowers in its first year when planted in spring.
Growing Conditions & Care
Position: Thrives in full sun or light shade.
Soil: Prefers moist but well-drained soil; avoid heavy, wet soils in winter.
Maintenance: Deadhead regularly to prolong flowering. Cut back hard in spring once new growth appears.
Hardiness: Hardy in most parts of the UK (H4-H5), though young plants may need winter protection in exposed areas.
Perfect For
Mixed Borders: A reliable bloomer that pairs well with grasses and other perennials.
Cottage Gardens: Classic shape and colour make it ideal for traditional planting styles.
Pollinator Gardens: Attracts bees and beneficial insects.
Cut Flowers: Elegant in informal bouquets.
Containers: Performs well in larger pots with good drainage.
Does the height include the pot?
No, we measure from the top of the pot to the tip of the plant except for some of the instant planted screens, in this case it will be stated in the description
How long does delivery take?
Most orders are delivered in just a few days, Smaller items are often sent with Parcelforce on a next day service, Larger items should allow up to 10 days due to the size of the items they often have to be sent on our own transport.
Where will you leave my plants?
We will leave your order at the front of your property, Parcelforce may
leave your items in a safe place if you let us know, Pallet couriers
will require a flat hard surface to deliver to, no gravel or soil, a
driveway or parking spot would be best. Most importantly Deliveries by
pallet courier will require access for a large truck (bin lorry sized)
to get near the delivery point. Deliveries sent on our own transport may come in a small van or larger truck.
